The Hatpin is a new musical by young Australian writers Peter Rutherford (Music) and James Millar (Book & Lyrics). The World Premiere of The Hatpin was staged in Sydney in February / March 2008 with a stellar cast including Caroline O'Connor, Peter Cousens, Barry Crocker AM and Melle Stewart.
The Hatpin is the true story of a single mother, Amber Murray, who advertised her baby in a newspaper trading column in the hope of saving his life...and ended up embroiled in one of the most captivating, moving and exciting criminal trials in Australian history.
Using the moral support she gains from her friendship with the free spirited Harriet Piper, Amber fights the injustices of circumstance and tragedy to find hope and strength.
The Hatpin has been accepted to perform at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) in September 2008.
The Original Cast Recording of The Hatpin has now been released. It can be purchased via the website: Http://www.thehatpin.com. The website also has a lot of information and photos from the show.
A gripping production...A powerful piece of musical theatre...Hardwick elicits performances of compelling emotional bravery and integrity...Stirring performances abound. A landmark moment in Australian musical theatre
(Mark Hopkins, Sydney Morning Herald)
A sophisticated work..Taking the Australian musical a notch higher
(Troy Lennon, Daily Telegraph)
The Audience is gripped by the kind of tension and horror normally associated with a Hitchcock thriller...Intensely dramatic and often operatic; The Director and performers are honest and brave in their choices...If we're lucky, it will not be the last we see of The Hatpin, but just in case: See it now!
(Diana Simmonds, www.stagenoise.com)
Gutsy, gritty, dark, funny, clever, rich in history and thoroughly moving...Strong casting and rich characters...The Hatpin is a revelation in Australian theatre
(Joanna Erskine, www.aussietheatre.com)
There are no words to describe how fabulous this piece of theatre is.
Australia look out for Peter Rutherford & James Millar they are a musical force to never be reckoned with so they can continue writing such gems!!!! Congrats boys!!!
Hey Guys,
I'm very excited to be a part of the upcoming workshop of the show! Thank you!
Looking forward to doing some new, quality, Australian material!
Shaun
